HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Test Bank
1. What does the infant mortality rate measure?
- A. dying for every thousand of the population
- B. dying from 0-5 years old in every thousand population
- C. dying in the first 4 weeks in every thousand children born alive that year
- D. dying before 1 year old in every thousand children born alive that year
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The infant mortality rate measures the number of deaths occurring before 1 year old per 1000 live births. This is a crucial indicator of a population's health status and access to healthcare for infants. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the infant mortality rate specifically focuses on deaths within the first year of life, not the entire population or different age ranges.
2. Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells?
- A. Calcium
- B. Magnesium
- C. Phosphorus
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Insulin forces potassium out of the plasma and into the cells, which can cause hypokalemia. This is because insulin enhances the activity of the sodium-potassium pump in cell membranes, promoting the movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as insulin does not directly influence the movement of calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in the same manner as it does with potassium.
3. When assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock, which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable?
- A. distal capillary refill
- B. systolic blood pressure
- C. skin color and temperature
- D. presence of peripheral pulses
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: systolic blood pressure. In young children, systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter for assessing perfusion status. Factors such as anxiety, crying, and fear can significantly affect blood pressure measurements, leading to inaccuracies. Distal capillary refill, skin color and temperature, and presence of peripheral pulses are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Distal capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion, skin color, and temperature reflect tissue perfusion, and the presence of peripheral pulses indicates blood flow to the extremities. Therefore, when evaluating a 2-year-old child with possible shock, focusing on parameters other than systolic blood pressure is crucial for an accurate assessment of perfusion status.
4. A 3-year-old child with a diagnosis of acute otitis media is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids
- B. Encourage the child to eat a balanced diet
- C. Administer pain medication as needed
- D. Apply warm compresses to the affected ear
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids. Encouraging adequate fluid intake helps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration in children with acute otitis media. A balanced diet (choice B) is important for overall health but is not specifically related to managing otitis media. While pain medication (choice C) may be prescribed, it should not be administered without medical advice. Applying warm compresses (choice D) is not typically recommended for acute otitis media as it can potentially worsen the condition by promoting bacterial growth.
5. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?
- A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
- B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
- C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
- D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects to conserve the infant's energy by eliminating the need for sucking. This is important because sucking requires energy expenditure, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac defects. Choice A is incorrect as gavage feedings do not primarily limit the chance of vomiting. Choice B is incorrect because the speed of feeding administration is not the primary reason for using gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the main purpose of gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.